FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT ALIGNMENT - PAGE 3

When the Lions move get inside the red zone, Mel Tucker's defense has to lean on its core Cover-2 techniques to limit the production of Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush based off alignment and scheme. Here the Lions have their Posse (or 11) personnel (three wide receivers, one tight end, one running back) in a Doubles alignment with Bush offset to the closed (strong) side of the formation. The Bears counter with their base nickel front (five defensive backs) playing Cover-2 in the secondary.

Q-Several trips to the dealership have been ineffective in solving a very rough idle on my 1986 Buick Skyhawk. The mechanic has performed major diagnostic work, tuned the engine, replaced the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation valve) and checked the vacuum lines. What now? F.J.N., West Side. A-Your mechanic is on the right track by pursuing a vacuum leak. The engine may be running too lean. Ask the technician to check for a leak at the intake manifold. If that's the problem, it may be necessary to replace the gasket.

Few could have guessed that the Fire would play a role in turning around the fortunes of the New England Revolution. But since defeating the Fire 2-1 in overtime on May 12 to collect its first points of the season, the Revolution has been one of the better teams in MLS, winning three and tying another in its next five games. New England will try to continue its run Saturday when it faces the Fire at Soldier Field. Revolution coach Fernando Clavijo, who was nearly fired before the May match against the Fire, credits better play and understanding from his three defenders.

If the litmus test for a dead pillow is that it doesn't bounce back when folded in half, then my pillows are undoubtedly flat-lined. Come to find out, this could be costing me some valuable sleep. "We stress the importance of having an appropriate sleeping environment, and that includes a comfortable pillow and mattress," says Dr. Ramadevi Gourineni, a neurologist with Northwestern Memorial's Sleep Disorder Center. "And we do see a fair number of patients who, after changing their pillow or mattress, see a considerable difference in their sleep."

Trustees this week approved changes to Schaumburg's comprehensive plan to guide commercial and residential development on about 140 acres at the northwest corner of Golf and Roselle Roads, officials said. Though there are no new commercial proposals before the village, it is hoped the changes will pave the way for projects such as auto dealerships, office space and large retail, Matt Frank, economic development coordinator, said Wednesday. The zoning changes also allow for more residential development near apartment buildings along Valley Lake Drive.

Donnell Woolford didn`t stay down for long. After being burned by the Los Angeles Raiders in the final preseason game, the Bears` rookie cornerback bounced back with a good performance in Sunday's 17-14 victory over Cincinnati. Now, he wants more action. "I was ready for the Bengals, but I didn`t get picked on as much as I wanted," Woolford said. "It's because they have a left-handed quarterback (Boomer Esiason). Against Minnesota, their quarterback (Wade Wilson)

Public hearings are set for a new subdivision and the expansion of a pumphouse Dec. 2 at Village Hall. Planning commissioners were pleased with Scarsdale Homes` revised plan to develop townhouses and condominiums at Checker and Church Roads, to be called Manchester Greens. The commission rejected Scarsdale's previous plan. The new plan eliminated two villa units, increased guest parking from 14 to 29 spaces, created a curved alignment for Manchester Drive and increased spacing between the houses to 10 feet.

The Redskins and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will come to the stadium Sunday with a creative game plan to feature the skill sets of rookies Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris. Focus on the read option, movement passes, the inside zone and play action versus an athletic Seahawks defense in their NFC wild-card playoff game Sunday. As shown here, the Redskins have their Ace personnel (two wide receivers, two tight ends, one running back) on the field in a Doubles Slot alignment with the Y tight end shifted into the backfield.

According to a recent Gallup survey, 53 percent of all Americans suffer sleep problems at one time or another. Orthopedic surgeons agree that a key way to get a good night's sleep is to buy the best mattress possible. Contrary to popular belief, firmer is not necessarily better. A too-hard mattress tends to support you only at the heaviest parts-the shoulders and the hips-while a too-soft mattress won`t keep your spine in proper alignment and can cause backaches. As long as a mattress is of good quality, firmness is a matter of preference, with these conditions: If you feel your body sagging, the mattress is too soft.

One of President Reagan's greatest political assets is his posture. It's true. The President does as we were told to do by our mothers: He stands up straight and doesn`t slouch, and for this reason he not only belies his years but appears to be vigorous, capable and deserving of our respect. It goes to show what standing up straight can do for a person, even in the face of such things as contra hearings and Sam Donaldson. With this in mind, I pulled myself out of my usual slouch, lined up my spinal curves according to a "good posture" guide and walked into the family room.